Combating Deceptive Immigration Enforcement Practices Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 3828

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Immigration

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-06-06: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Last Updated

2026-02-03T09:05:59Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The "Combating Deceptive Immigration Enforcement Practices Act of 2025" (H.R. 3828) aims to prevent confusion and potential deception in immigration enforcement by prohibiting federal immigration officers from using the word "police" on their uniforms or accessories. This is intended to clarify the distinction between immigration agents and local law enforcement, reducing misunderstandings during interactions with the public.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which outlines the powers of immigration officers.
• Adds a new subsection (i) stating that immigration officers or agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—including those from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)—shall not wear any clothing, accessories, or other items bearing the word "police" while carrying out duties related to immigration laws.
• The prohibition applies specifically during the performance of immigration-related tasks.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces a uniform-specific restriction that did not previously exist in the INA.
• Expands limitations on how DHS personnel present themselves visually, building on existing rules about officer authority but focusing on terminology to avoid implying broader "police" powers (e.g., arrest authority outside immigration contexts).

Potential Impacts

• On government agencies: DHS, ICE, and CBP would need to update uniform policies, training, and procurement processes, potentially incurring minor administrative costs but promoting operational clarity.
• On citizens: Could reduce fear or confusion among immigrant communities and the general public by making it clearer when interacting with federal immigration agents versus local police, possibly leading to more informed cooperation or fewer mistaken rights assertions.
• On international relations: Minimal direct impact, though it may indirectly support U.S. efforts to address human rights concerns in immigration enforcement by enhancing transparency.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal agencies and personnel: DHS, ICE, and CBP officers, who must comply with the new uniform rules.
• Immigrant and minority communities: Potentially benefit from reduced intimidation or misidentification during enforcement actions.
• Local law enforcement: Indirectly affected, as the change emphasizes the separation between federal immigration roles and state/local police functions.
• Congressional oversight bodies: Such as the House Judiciary Committee, which received the bill for review.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens enforcement of the INA by addressing potential misuse of terminology that could lead to challenges in court (e.g., claims of deceptive practices violating due process). The INA governs immigration officer powers, so this amendment refines their operational boundaries without altering core authorities like arrests or inspections.
• Constitutional: May support First Amendment or equal protection principles by preventing confusion that could chill free speech or lead to unequal treatment in enforcement encounters; no direct conflict with officer speech rights, as it targets official uniforms rather than personal expression.
• Political: Reflects bipartisan or progressive concerns (introduced by Democratic representatives) about aggressive immigration tactics, potentially influencing debates on DHS accountability and public trust in federal enforcement amid ongoing immigration policy tensions.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]

Cosponsors (10)

Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4], Rep. Casar, Greg [D-TX-35], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Rivas, Luz M. [D-CA-29], Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria [D-NY-14], Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1]

Recent Actions

• 2025-06-06: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
• 2025-06-06: Introduced in House
• 2025-06-06: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Combating Deceptive Immigration Enforcement Practices Act of 2025 — issued 2025-06-06 — PDF (2 pages)